World

Know What ID to Take to the Poll With This Online Map

Changes in voter identification laws are happening in states across the country this election season, sewing widespread confusion among would-be ballot-casters. If you're not sure about what you'll need to have your voice heard on Election Day, HeadCount has the resource for you: an online map clearly explaining voter ID requirements in every state.

The map is simple: click your state and you're presented with clear language about what you'll need to bring along to the polls on Election Day. It's constantly updated with the most recent rules and regulations, and also has a list of Frequently Asked Questions about voting and voter ID requirements.

The map's a project of HeadCount, a youth-focused non-partisan organization that runs voter registration events at concerts and works with musicians and celebrities to promote civic participation.

"We're out in the field, we do voter registration at concerts, and you get a sense of the questions that people are asking," Andy Bernstein, co-founder of HeadCount, told Mashable. "Certainly voter ID is in the headlines, we know it's the big new change in the election, so I think doing a map with the rules was kind of a no-brainer. I think where we really drilled down is simplifying it in a way where it really gets at the questions people are really asking."

For Bernstein, Headcount's map and information is filling a gap left by official state elections websites.

"If you just look at the information states provide, it often raises more questions than answers," he said. "In a lot of states, they will tell you [identification] is required, but if you read carefully it's not actually required, it's something they're phasing in. And that can scare people off. A lot of people think 'oh, I don't have ID, I just won't vote.' And we want to make it clear you can."

What other resources for voting information have you seen on the web? Share them in the comments.

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